Storm snow and sunshine are the perfect match-up for human-triggered avalanches.
Don't commit to terrain without careful evaluation, new snow needs time to settle.
70 to 120 cm of storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to extreme south winds. Be careful when transitioning into wind-affected terrain, especially immediately lee and cross loaded features.
A crust with a chance of surface hoar or facets overtop is buried at least 100 cm deep and may persist as a problem in alpine terrain. Storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating larger-than-expected avalanches.
Up to 120 cm of new snow has fallen, creating a widespread storm slab problem. This snow will take a little time to settle and stabilize.
On Thursday, several size 1.5 to 2 and a few size 3 explosive-triggered avalanches occured with a depth of slab ranging between 25 and 100 cm.
On Wednesday, several size 1 to 2.5 explosive-triggered avalanches occurred with an average depth of about 30 cm.
While unlikely, very large avalanches may occur if storm slabs step down to the January 26 weak layer.
Approximately 80 to 120 cm of storm snow has accumulated since early this week, with strong southerly winds redistributing snow throughout the storm.
At treeline and above, recent storm snow overlies either a crust of variable thickness or firm, settled snow. Below treeline, new snow sits on a thin crust, with moist or isothermal snow beneath.
A January 26 crust, with possible surface hoar or faceted snow above or below it, is now buried over 100 cm deep and is likely limited to higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has likely been rain-soaked and destroyed.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled with no significant concerns.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
